Bespoke Software Development Company

How to Choose the Right Software Development Company

03 August 2020

There has never been a better time for your business to embrace a digital transformation. But where do you start?

Once you have decided what type of software you need to improve your business, the next step is to find someone to build the product. With a surfeit of bespoke software development companies to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your business?

We have explored all the important decision factors to help you make the right choice. 

Should I Outsource my Bespoke Software Development Project?

Most businesses will outsource a software development company as they do not have the expertise in-house. 

Outsourcing gives businesses access to high-quality developers. It is also more cost-effective than hiring someone to work directly for your company, especially for a one-off project, as software developer salaries can be high.

Off-shoring is the term used for hiring a software developer from another country. Off-shore software development companies are usually less expensive than UK based companies, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the best option. The potential pitfalls of off-shoring are; communication barriers, lack of face-to-face meetings, time zone differences and ambiguous reviews. 

Communication and Understanding 

It’s important to pick a software development company who can gain an in-depth understanding of your business. If possible, find a company that has experience within your industry, as the developer will have a better grasp of what you wish to achieve. If there are gaps in their knowledge, the software may not meet your needs. 

Communication is key in any relationship – and the relationship with your software developer is no different. Choose a software development company who will talk to you openly and honestly. They should always set realistic expectations, and shouldn’t be afraid of saying “no”, if what you require isn’t feasible for them. 

Discuss how often you will receive progress updates and what support will be offered when your company implements the software. The company should guide you through each step of the process. There will be glitches and bugs along the way, so you need confidence that you will get the necessary support for a smooth transition. 

Longevity, Experience and Recommendations

The longevity of a company is an assurance that they’re doing something right. Ideally, you want to choose a business that has been around for 10+ years, as it confirms their business is stable and reliable.

With experience comes knowledge. An experienced software developer will be able to use their knowledge to think outside the box and find quick and effective solutions to problems. Your developer will use these traits to develop an innovative piece of software to improve your business processes.  

Do your research – only add a development company to your shortlist if they have a collection of good reviews! Look out for recommendations and testimonials on their website, as well as reviewing case studies to see how they have helped other businesses. 

Business Size and Resources 

Can the software development company work with your timescales? When you’re discussing your plans, enquire about the size of the development team and their current projects. They should have the resources to complete your project to a high standard, in the required time frame. 

Quality Assurance and Support

It doesn’t matter how good the developer is, there will always be bugs. With this in mind, you need to make sure your software company will provide you with quality assurance. As well as identifying and fixing bugs, they should also test the functionality of the software.

Enquire about the support package that will be available when you start using your new software product. You shouldn’t have to pay for excessive bug fixes that arise during the implementation period, so check what you will/will not be responsible for in terms of support costs. 

Quotes

Once you have a shortlist of companies that can offer you all of the above, it’s time to consider cost. Whether you’re buying shoes or software, shopping around for the best deal is a right of passage for any purchase. 

Our main piece of advice is to give the software development company a detailed brief so they can price up your project as accurately as possible.

The cheapest option is rarely the best choice. It’s likely that if the initial costs are low, you will end up paying more upon job completion. The reasons being; 

  • Low quality code that needs improving 
  • The development costs are unlikely to include ownership rights to the product, so you will have to pay extra in licencing fees

So it is fair to assume more expensive proposals will result in a high-quality product. A good proposal will have considered all the time and resources needed to complete the project, so you can trust they’ve given you a fair price.

The most important aspects to focus on are the estimated time and the total cost. Comparing these elements across your proposals will allow you to work out the best option. 

Choose Triangle Software

At Triangle Software, we have nearly 30 years of experience in developing bespoke software for businesses of all sizes. 

Our ethos is to listen to our clients’ needs and use our expertise, understanding and commercial practicality to develop high-quality software solutions.

We have an extensive client base, which ranges from one-man-bands to large corporate agencies. We’re proud to have been able to work with many of them over several years, developing software that grows with their businesses. We also have a dedicated team of experienced developers. 

With the information provided to us in an initial consultation we will offer a price estimate for your software. If you’re happy to move forward, we will work together to develop a detailed specification for your project, including a fixed price. In 25 years, we have never renegotiated on a fixed price. 

Contact us today to talk about your software requirements, or browse our website for more information about our software products